Diphenhydramine

Benadryl® (There are many other brand names for this medication. Check all labels 0 especially on over-the-counter medications, as it is an ingredient in many combination medications, especially those sold to relieve mild pain, allergy or cold symptoms, and insomnia.)

How is It Administered?

You can take this medication by mouth as a capsule, tablet, dissolving strip, or syrup. It is also available as a suppository or as an injection.

What Is It Used For?

This drug is an antihistamine, a drug that controls allergy symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing, that can be also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If is sometimes taken to help people sleep or control their anxiety.

How Does it Work?

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy-type symptoms. It has also been found to be slightly effective against the nausea and vomiting that can be caused by chemotherapy and/or help prevent side effects from other antinausea medications.